The Insurgency in the Niger-Delta: A Critical Interrogation of the Challenges to the Nigerian State

Date: 2010-06-08

Venue: ISS Conference Room, Block C, Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street, New Muckleneuck, Pretoria, (Parking at Brooklyn Mall and ABSA Court)

RSVP: Ms M Maluleke
[email protected]

The more than decade old violent conflict over the distribution of oil and gas revenues and benefits and the low intensity war between militias and the Nigerian military in the Niger-Delta came to a shaky end in December 2009. Following an amnesty declared in August 2009, over 20 000 militants surrendered arms to participate in a programme of disarmament and rehabilitation.

But what has happened since then? Is there a post-conflict transition in place? What are the current threats to the programme? Has the DDR process been a success? What is the involvement of the international community? And what are the prospects of peace and security in the Niger-Delta?

The seminar will explore some of the challenges associated with the amnesty and the post-amnesty situation in the Niger-Delta.

Presenters

1. Militants or Entrepreneurs of Violence: the Case of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta.
Dr. David Zounmenou, Senior Researcher, African Conflict Prevention Programme, Institute for Security Studies.

2. Amnesty and the Post-Amnesty in the Niger-Delta: Issues and Challenges.
Augustine Ikelegbe. Ph.D, Associate Professor of Comparative Politics and Conflicts Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.